Getting a Job in Finland

Since finding a job here in Finland almost three years ago, I’ve done my best to share my job-hunting process with other expats who are hoping to move to Finland (Helsinki, specifically, since that is where I have settled).

I’ve been lucky enough to meet many international coworkers who have relocated to Finland for various reasons: most come here chasing love, hoping to find a job so that they can stay with their significant other. Some have questions about coming here for school or because it’s a beautiful place.

Hard truths about Finding a job in Finland

Now, I’m not going to sugar-coat this: finding a job in Finland is not easy. In fact, may be the most difficult job-hunting experience I had especially when almost everyone holds a master’s degree Education.

In my opinion, Finnish companies prefer to hire Finnish employees as a natural choice. I can think of a myriad of reasons: one of them being language proficiency, there are others. People hire people that they can relate to and get along with. People grew up in tight circles, went to renowned universities in the region, reputations are built and it’s relatively easy to fill an open job slot with such tight knit connection.

There is nothing wrong with this and in my opinion, it is a good thing although it does make the job search hard on expats. As a foreigner, this is an obstacle that you will need to overcome (in any country, really!).

Some people will tell you that it’s easy to get into IT and engineering jobs especially in large or startup companies who are ok with just English language skill. Personally, this is not true. Yes, many IT jobs don’t require Finnish Skill in job advertisement. But when you are starting to apply, then only you know the situation. So, the real situation is, it’s down to your experience and skill sets which compensate your language skills. Or if you are lucky enough then you may have chance otherwise!

Networking is KEY

Life can become easier if you know some powerful people in your circle. In Finland, you do not need to know a powerful person but you need to know a person that can recommend you in the field of work you’re looking for. I very highly suggest volunteering as much as possible, meeting people at every opportunity and networking until you are ready to collapse. The reputation that you build for yourself (both personally and professionally) starts from the day you arrive here. So, dress sharp and be active!

Finnish Resume/CV format

If I must recommend one thing, this is the one. Make sure your resume is in Finnish format! During my job search in Finland, I was sending out resumes in the Singapore format (which is a very standard format that tells you all the details). After reviewing my resume in a CV clinic, I managed to change my resume to Finnish format just before I started getting the job interviews. Also, you don't have to write the resume in Finnish, you just have to write it in English and that should be fine as well.

You can use my Finnish Resume format here if you want tips on the style and the format they use here in Finland!

For more of my honest experiences and advice about living in Finland, including Culture Shocks and life lessons, check out my Living in Finland playlist on YouTube.